• FlowVoid@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    9
    arrow-down
    4
    ·
    14 days ago

    Graphs that don’t start the y axis at 0 are shitty at conveying information

    If you know how to read a graph, then it doesn’t matter if the y-axis includes zero

    • Boddhisatva@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      10
      arrow-down
      1
      ·
      14 days ago

      These are in articles for the general public. Assuming even a general understanding of graphing is not reasonable in this case.

      • FlowVoid@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        edit-2
        14 days ago

        I think completing pre-algebra (generally taught in middle school or high school) is sufficient to understand a table.

        And if you can understand a table, then you can understand a graph with a y axis break.

        • Boddhisatva@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          7
          ·
          14 days ago

          As someone who has worked for many years in customer service and retail environments, I can conclude from your post that you haven’t worked directly with the public very much.

          • FlowVoid@lemmy.world
            link
            fedilink
            English
            arrow-up
            7
            ·
            edit-2
            14 days ago

            I think you underestimate your customers.

            A 10 day weather forecast typically includes a graph with a y-axis break. It is meant for the general public, and most people have no difficulty interpreting it.